Airtel and Bajaj Finance Collaborate to Launch Digital Financial Services Platform

Bharti Airtel and Bajaj Finance, a leading telecom player and India’s largest private-sector NBFC, respectively, have announced a strategic collaboration. Their partnership aims to create one of India’s largest digital platforms for financial services. Both companies made the announcement through separate exchange filings on January 20, 2025.

Financial Products Integrated into Airtel Thanks App

Initially, Airtel will integrate Bajaj Finance’s financial products into its Airtel Thanks App. Over time, these services will also be accessible via Airtel's extensive network of retail stores across the country. The partnership combines the companies’ digital assets to deepen the reach of financial products and services.

Focus on Data Security and Regulatory Compliance

Both Airtel and Bajaj Finance have emphasized their commitment to ensuring data privacy, regulatory compliance, and seamless customer service. This partnership aims to leverage technology to provide secure and efficient financial services to customers.

Strength in Numbers: Expanding Reach and Resources

The collaboration combines Airtel’s vast customer base of 370 million, its 1.2 million-strong distribution network, and Bajaj Finance’s portfolio of 27 financial product lines. Bajaj Finance’s robust infrastructure includes over 5,000 branches and 70,000 field agents, ensuring widespread accessibility to financial products.

Leadership Vision for the Partnership

Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD of Bharti Airtel, highlighted the combined scale and distribution strength of the two companies as the foundation for this partnership. He shared Airtel Finance’s vision of becoming a one-stop destination for financial needs, currently trusted by over 1 million customers.
Rajeev Jain, Managing Director of Bajaj Finance, emphasized the role of India’s digital ecosystem in driving financial inclusion. He stated that this collaboration leverages digital infrastructure to enable millions of Indians to access financial services, even in remote areas.

Bajaj Finance Products Available on Airtel Thanks App

Two Bajaj Finance products are already piloted on the Airtel Thanks App, with four more products planned for launch by March 2025. These include:

• Gold Loan: Enables new-to-credit customers to access finance.

• Business Loan: Tailored to entrepreneurs and SMEs.

• Insta EMI Card: A co-branded card providing flexible payment options.

• Personal Loan: Designed to meet diverse financial needs.

Airtel aims to offer close to 10 financial products from Bajaj Finance by the end of 2025.

Insta EMI Card and Consumer Benefits

Airtel customers can now apply for the Airtel-Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI card through the Airtel Thanks App or at Airtel retail stores. Key features include:

• Access to special offers available to Bajaj Finance customers.

• Flexible EMI options for purchasing goods such as electronics, furniture, and groceries.

• Usable at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000+ cities.

• Applicability for e-commerce transactions across various platforms.

Integration of Gold Loans and Financial Inclusion

The Airtel Thanks App also enables customers to avail of gold loans. This service is designed to facilitate financial inclusion by offering first-time borrowers access to credit and integrating them into the formal financial system.

Conclusion

The strategic partnership between Bharti Airtel and Bajaj Finance marks a significant step toward revolutionizing digital financial services in India. By combining Airtel’s extensive customer base, digital infrastructure, and nationwide reach with Bajaj Finance’s diverse portfolio of financial products and robust distribution network, this collaboration aims to make financial services more accessible and inclusive.

Through the Airtel Thanks App, customers can now access innovative solutions like the Insta EMI card, gold loans, and personal loans, offering greater convenience and flexibility. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to leveraging technology to enhance financial inclusion, ensuring secure, seamless, and customer-friendly services.

As the collaboration unfolds, it is poised to bridge gaps in financial accessibility, cater to diverse consumer needs, and set a benchmark in India’s rapidly evolving digital finance ecosystem. This synergy between two trusted industry leaders signals a brighter, more inclusive financial future for millions across the country.